How Do I Get Started?
- Contact the Shire Chatelaine
Your Chatelaine is there to help you get started. She'll help you figure out basic issues like what sort of
persona you want to have, answer questions, and direct you to people who share your interests. Please contact our
Chatelaine for more information.
- Attend a Business Meeting
The local groups host a business meeting every month.
The monthly business meetings are open to everyone. They are a great way to meet members of
your local group and learn
more about what events are being planned, and how you can get involved.
They should also be able to provide you with a list of monthly activities along with a monthly calendar of events to help you get
started!
- Attend Practices and Meetings that Interest You
Local groups have weekly practices for heavy weapons and rapier fighting. Most of our practices are open to all
comers regardless of experience, and it's the ideal place to start learning about the parts of the Current
Middle Ages you are most interested in.
There may also be local Arts and Sciences days where you can come to learn new
crafts or just socialize and get to know your local members.
- Come to Local Events
Andelcrag is fortunate to have many local Cantons and a few Baronies in
close proximity, so there is almost always an event within easy driving
distance. Events are where you can see the SCA in full flower - fighting,
feasting, arts and sciences displays and other medieval amusement. Most events
require an entry fee, and you will be required to make a "reasonable attempt
at pre-1600 clothing" (what people in the SCA frequently refer to as "garb.")
When you plan to attend an event, be sure to contact your Chatelaine first. Our Chatelaine can set
you up with garb to wear, and can make sure that there are people at the event who are available to meet you and
answer questions.
You can find information about local events by visiting the website of your
local group. For
information on Kingdom level events, and particularly to find out about neighboring Baronial events, check out
the Middle Kingdome Calendar of Events web page.
Some simple tips to make your SCA experience more fun...
- Ask lots of questions. No one expects a new person to know what things mean, or how to do stuff. But we
don't know what you don't know unless you ask.
- Try stuff out. The SCA is not a spectator sport. It's about getting some hands-on experience in what the
Middle Ages might have been, could have been, and (as many will tell you) should have been. So whatever
interests you, try it out! We all have first tunics, first bouts on the list field, first times serving
feasts. "Firsts" are hardly ever perfect, so don't get discouraged. Keep trying!
- Be Patient. There's so much new stuff. New people, new things, new lingo, new customs. It's easy to get
overwhelmed or feel unsure of yourself. It's okay, we were all there once, we know how you feel. Don't feel
like you have to learn everything all at once. Getting along here is really very simple. Until you really
have a grip on all the titles, it's okay to call people "my lord" and "my lady" when you address them. If
someone's wearing a crown (of any description) bow to show your respect. (Just a little one is okay for
now). Be kind and courteous to everyone. You'll do fine.
Still have questions?
Contact the Chatelaine
Related Pages
Back to the Chatelaine's Page
Getting Started in the SCA |
Newcomer FAQ |
Special Information for Parents with Kids